Deutsche Bahn builds Freiburg freight bypass on Karlsruhe–Basel line

Section 8 of the Karlsruhe–Basel upgrade/new-build line runs about 45.3 km and comprises a new two-track freight-only line (160 km/h) between Kenzingen and Müllheim, including the 1,956 m Mengener Tunnel near Munzingen. Construction already began on sub-sections PFA 8.0 and 8.1 in 2026 (symbolic groundbreaking near Reute in May 2026, with over EUR 100 million invested there), while PFA 8.2 to 8.4 remain in the approval process. Deutsche Bahn plans to bring the new freight bypass into service by the end of 2031, with the subsequent upgrade of the existing line (Teningen–Buggingen, 200 km/h) following by the end of 2038. Update (29 May 2026): At the groundbreaking near Reute on 29 May 2026, DB put the total length of the new A5-side freight line between Offenburg and Müllheim at over 90 km; the 11 km Riegel–March section is built first, with about six years of construction. DB will set an opening date for the whole line only once planning permission exists for every section; around 50,000 fewer freight trains a year are expected to pass through Freiburg (LOK Report, 29 May 2026).